On Tax

Lisa Siders, General Counsel at Avon Products, Inc. and Chief Transformation Officer at Avon International, shares her impressive journey from Vice President of Tax at Natura &Co to her current roles. She discusses the unique blend of tax expertise and legal leadership, emphasizing the importance of trust and relationships in her profession. Lisa also reflects on navigating dual responsibilities and the impact of first impressions in career growth. Her insights on personal growth and balancing work with family life offer an inspiring perspective on professional integrity.

Alex Raskolnikov, a Wilbur H. Friedman Professor of Tax Law at Columbia Law School, shares his unique journey from metallurgical engineering in Michigan to academia. He discusses the personal and societal influences that shaped his career path after moving from the Soviet Union. With insights on mentoring and the complexities of tax law, Alex emphasizes the importance of communication and practical application in education. He also touches on the joys of grandparenthood and his passion for audiobooks, balancing personal interests with professional commitments.

Scott Kapusta is the Global Head of Tax at FactSet. In this episode of On Tax, Scott and Cravath partner and host Len Teti discuss how an early interest in economics led Scott to his current corporate tax practice, and how there are benefits to using the process of elimination when it comes to choosing a career path. They also reflect on lessons learned over the course of their long professional relationship, on both sides of the negotiating table, and share insights into what makes tax advisors excel in their roles. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tadd Fowler, Senior Vice President at Procter & Gamble, shares his remarkable journey from an accounting major to a leading tax strategist. He delves into the vital skills needed for success, using a Ferrari analogy to emphasize mastering foundational tasks. Tadd also discusses the nuances of financial versus tax accounting and the impact of career transitions, offering insights into mentorship and decision-making. Additionally, he highlights the traits that distinguish exceptional tax advisors, blending personal anecdotes with professional wisdom.

Gus Makris, Senior Managing Counsel at Dow and former tax associate at Cravath, shares insights from his illustrious career in tax law. He discusses how a pivotal philosophy class shaped his journey into tax, and emphasizes the importance of simplifying complex tax concepts for new attorneys. Gus reflects on career transitions, highlighting how differing views on tax within organizations can impact strategy. He also shares experiences balancing family life with personal interests like golf, inviting listeners to engage with future topics.

Andrew Compton is a partner in the Corporate Department at Cravath. In the Season 9 premiere of On Tax, he and fellow Cravath partner and host Len Teti talk about how his work in the energy and energy transition sectors intersects with the world of tax, and the importance of taking calculated risks throughout one’s career. Andrew also discusses the lessons he learned while working in Asia, including the benefits of finding commonality with the people on the other side of the negotiating table.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Tax returns for Season 9 on Tuesday, March 18. This season, tune in as Cravath partner and podcast host Len Teti talks to professionals in the world of tax about the different routes they took into tax and the challenges and opportunities they faced along the way. Next week’s guest is Cravath corporate partner Andrew Compton, who discusses how his work in the energy and energy transition sectors intersects with the world of tax, and the importance of taking calculated risks throughout one’s career. Learn more about On Tax at cravath.com/podcast/index. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tara Rhoades, founder of The Sanity Plea, is a coach and strategist dedicated to guiding legal professionals through career transitions. She shares her journey from a philosophy background to becoming a tax lawyer in a prominent firm. Tara discusses overcoming early career fears and the vital role of mentorship in shaping her path. She reveals insights into client acquisition in legal coaching and dives into her love for horror cinema, linking it to deeper human truths, making for a captivating conversation.

Susanne Schreiber, Senior Partner and Co-Head of the Tax Department at Bär & Karrer in Zurich, shares her journey from M&A corporate law to tax law specialization. She discusses the contrasting tax landscapes of Germany and Switzerland, emphasizing Switzerland's proactive approach. Susanne highlights the importance of mentorship, collaboration, and simplifying complex tax issues for clarity. The conversation also touches on her transition to leadership in a law firm and the importance of balancing work with personal joy, illustrating this with humorous anecdotes about her dog.

Ariel Greenblum, the Editor in Chief of Tax Notes Federal, dives deep into the world of tax journalism. She shares how her passion for economics and tax law paved her career path from law student to editor. Ariel reflects on her 12-year journey, the importance of communication in the editorial process, and the balance between precision and clarity in legal writing. Additionally, she discusses the invaluable role of personal connections in advancing one’s career while also highlighting the joys of family life and shared adventures.